BILL REQ. #: H-2539.1

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SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL 1792
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State of Washington

60th Legislature

2007 Regular Session

By House Committee on Commerce & Labor (originally sponsored by Representatives Conway, Condotta, Morris, Chandler, Kenney, Priest, P. Sullivan, Chase, Wood and Moeller)

READ FIRST TIME 2/28/07.

AN ACT Relating to a study of the incidence of total permanent disability pensions in the state's workers' compensation system; and creating new sections.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   (1) The department of labor and industries shall conduct a study of the incidence of total permanent disability pensions in the state's workers' compensation system. The department shall contract with an independent researcher approved by the labor and business members of the workers' compensation advisory committee. The independent researcher must have demonstrated expertise in workers' compensation systems. The department shall consult with the workers' compensation advisory committee in determining the criteria to use in selecting a researcher and in selecting the researcher with which to contract.
     (2) In conducting the study under subsection (1) of this section, the researcher selected shall consider the following:
     (a) Causes of the recent increase in total permanent disability cases, including changes in injured worker demographics, policy, and other areas that may be identified;
     (b) Future anticipated total permanent disability trends;
     (c) A comparison of Washington's permanent disability claims experience and injured workers with other states and jurisdictions;
     (d) The impact of the standard for finding workers employable on the incidence of permanent total disability pensions; and
     (e) The impact of vocational rehabilitation under RCW 51.32.095, and any improvements to vocational rehabilitation, on the incidence of permanent total disability pensions.
     (3) The department shall report to the workers' compensation advisory committee on the results of the study on or before July 1, 2008.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2 If specific funding for the purposes of this act, referencing this act by bill or chapter number, is not provided by June 30, 2007, in the omnibus appropriations act, this act is null and void.

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